Video – A Beginners Guide to Bagging a Munro

Thinking of starting hill walking in Scotland? How about bagging a Munro? If you are just starting out here is my beginners guide in collaboration with BBC Scotland.

I know how intimidating it can be to get started if you have never hill walked before, let alone tackled a Munro, but believe me if I can do it, then you can too!

In May 2016, I was tired, unfit and in a bit of a rut. I really needed to do something about it. So, I challenged myself to climb a Munro, Ben Vorlich, at Loch Earn. That day on the hills changed my life. I have now gone from sitting on the sofa promising ‘i’ll climb a Munro, one day’ to having climbed over 10,000 meters this year. That’s the equivalent of Everest!

So, if need any more encouragement, have a look at my beginner’s guide to bagging a Munro.

Press Play!

Read on for more advice!

So why are Scotland’s mountains called Munros?

Scotland’s highest mountains are named after Sir Hugh Munro, a founding member of the Scottish Mountaineering Club. In 1861, Sir Hugh published his ‘Munros Tables’ a list of all the 3000ft+ mountains in Scotland in the club’s journal. Today, the list of Munros includes 282 mountains with the highest, Ben Nevis, topping 4412ft (1345m). You might have also heard of Ben Lomond above Loch Lomond, Schiehallion, or the spectacular Buachaille Etive Mòr, the gateway to Glencoe.

What does ‘Munro Bagging’ mean?

It’s simple – people who climb Munros are called Munro baggers. Generally, people tick off their Munros – aiming to climb all 282 of them. People who have ‘bagged’ all the Munros are called ‘Compleatists’ using the anarchic spelling of the word. To date, over 5000 people have bagged all the Munros, some multiple times!

Our first 10 Munros!

Help I can’t pronounce the names of the mountains…

That’s OK, I can’t either. This is because the names of Scotland’s mountains are in Gaelic, which has hundreds of words to describe the landscape in Scotland. You just need to know the basics – Ben or Beinn is a mountain, a Bealach is a gap or a pass, a carn (a cairn) marks a summit, and as a beginner avoid the creags or stobs as they are usually a rock!

Is there an easy Munro to start with?

I’ll be honest and say that no Munro is actually easy – climbing 3000ft is hard going, whatever your fitness. However, the ‘easiest’ are those Munros which have a path, usually maintained by the National Trust or the Forestry Commission, which in good weather are easy to follow. In my opinion, the best Munros for beginners are Ben Lomond, which 30,000 people climb every year, Ben Chonzie, Schiehallion, and Ben Vorlich at Loch Earn.

On Ben Vorlich before we invested in our boots!

So if there is a path – then I don’t need a map?

No, sorry, if you do not have any basic map skills, then you shouldn’t be out on the hills. My tip is to get an Ordnance Survey Map of your local hills, and practice map reading on a few short walks before you head out into the hills. Try one of my favourite hills for beginners.

The best types of maps for Munros are the OS Explorer range (they are orange) which show footpaths and contours – perfect for Munros. If you are thinking of doing Munros without a path, I’d suggest doing a mountain skills course.

You can also use mobile phone apps or GPS trackers which are good for directions and route planning. Try Viewranger (you can download Walkhighland’s route maps) or the OS App.

However, apps are no substitute for a paper map – mobile phone batteries are notorious for dying in the cold. For safety, I always carry an extra battery pack to keep my mobile phone charged in case something goes wrong and we have the app on more than one phone.

On top – multiple base layers and a down jacket or fleece. Because the weather can change so quickly I always carry a hard shell waterproof jacket.

On my feet, I wear leather waterproof walking boots and good hiking socks – wet weather can mean the ground is very boggy!

I love my fleece lined hat, a scarf to wrap around my face and I always keep climbing gloves handy for any scrambly bits.

I also use shock-proof carbon walking sticks, as climbing down can be tough on your knees.

No view from the Cairngorms but still happy!

What do I need to carry?

Never climb without safety gear, this means an Ordnance Survey map and compass (learn how to use it), waterproof map bag, head torch, bivvy bag or blanket, and a lighter or matches. We also carry a camping knife, first aid kit, and a whistle. Don’t forget plenty of water, food, and sweets for a sugar boost – after 5 miles you will need it!

So what about the weather?

In Scotland, the weather is unpredictable at best – so it’s best to be prepared for everything – not just the rain! Even in summer, Scotland’s mountains can be blasted by the wind, hail and even still be snow topped. Cloud inversions (when the temperature keeps the cloud level below around 600m) look stunning from above, down below the fog can be so deep it is easy to get lost.

Before you head out to climb a Munro, check out the Mountain Forecasts which are produced by the Mountain Weather Information Service who produce a forecast of the expected daily Scottish Mountain Weather.

The forecasts will tell you the expected rainfall and wind speed – for a beginner, 25mph can feel pretty strong at the top, at 50mph you will struggle to stand. Don’t forget to consider the wind chill factor too. Occasionally, we do get sunshine in Scotland – so don’t forget your sunglasses!

Climbing Munros in winter is really only for those with proper mountain skills – you will need winter climbing gear such as crampons and an ice axe.

On Meall Nam Tarmichan during filming of the video

Most importantly will I get a view?

On the Scottish hills a view is never guaranteed, even if the sun is shining at the bottom, at 3000ft could be very different. The ‘clagg’ can descend in seconds! However, don’t forget the Scot’s philosophy of if you don’t like the weather, just wait a few minutes; if the clouds do eventually clear the view is spectacular.

What if something goes wrong?

Things can easily go wrong on the Scottish hills – the might be small but they are mighty. Always take responsibility for your own self – if the weather descends, or you are too tired it’s OK to turn back, the mountain will be there another day.

So after all that, tell me why I should bag a Munro?

Munro bagging is not really about climbing the biggest hills (I’ve yet to conquer Ben Nevis) or compleating all 282, instead, think of climbing Munros as a personal challenge – to discover that you can!

So what are you waiting for? See you at the top!

Love, from Scotland x

No Munros were harmed during the filming of this video, but I’d like to thank in the correct order: Stob Coire Raineach and Stob Dubh, Ben More and Stob Binnein, Ben Vorlich at Loch Earn, Ben Lomond, Ben Lawers, Ben Chonzie, Ben Ime and Beinn Narnain, and Meall Nam Tarmachan.

4 Comments

Wow, stunning video and inspiring post! Munro bagging or at least attempting one is definitely on my list of challenges to try in the future. There are so many places in Scotland I want to see I’ll have to plan a visit. #adventurecalling

Kate this is so good! Well done on your first video and bagging all these Munros! You are inspiring others to get out there and try it, that’s what I love. I’m hoping to bag my second one this year, and definitely more next year. Keep on walking and hiking and get those 2017 miles in! x

Love the video and such great advice. So inspiring, I hope many people are encouraged to follow in your footsteps. Reading your blog is so enjoyable, I just want to visit Scotland again (and again and again!). Thanks so much for linking up with us at #AdventureCalling

Brilliant video! I’m not joking when I say you’re fast becoming one of my favourite outdoor bloggers. What an achievement in 12 months too. I’m desperate to get up to Scotland this year (we live in North Wales) so I’ll definitely be seeking your advice on the best routes etc. sometime soon. Thanks for joining us I hope you can again tomorrow. #adventurecalling